A good home inspection is easy to read, understand and helps a prospective buyer make an informed decision. Here’s how you can make the most out of your home inspection each step of the way.

Before the inspection

Prior to the start of the inspection, you should take the opportunity to prepare your client for the experience. For an average home, tell them to allow 2 ½ hours for the inspection, to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and not to worry about taking notes. Remind them, no home is perfect, and the home inspector’s job is to provide recommendations for improvement.

Managing your clients’ expectations is key. Prior to the inspection, remind your client that every home will have work that needs to be done, and they should understand that all homes require ongoing attention. Houses have thousands of parts, and many are designed to wear out. Setting this expectation early can keep clients calm as things arise during the inspection.

During the inspection

Once the inspection has begun, encourage your client to follow along and ask questions. The inspection is visual in nature and doesn’t consist of any invasive testing. The inspector typically will not comment on subjective cosmetic features of the home, and do not comment on any existing building codes or bylaws.

Home inspectors do not advice clients on whether they should buy a home or rate a home as pass or fail. Their role is to provide a clear picture of the home’s condition at the time of the inspection. In addition, home inspectors may provide maintenance tips and advice that applies to all homes.

Through this experience, you can remind clients that you want them to make an informed decision and equip them with as much knowledge of the home as possible. In this way, you reinforce your role as a trusted advisor, and your client will appreciate you working in their best interest. A home inspector is an unbiased expert, and the inspection report is a tool for clarity.

Clients don’t need to be present through every step of the inspection, but they should be present for the introduction and the summary. If you notice negative reactions from your client, you should ask for clarification to ease your client’s worries.

After the inspection

Good home inspectors have technical know-how and great communication skills. These verbal communication skills are important on-site, and afterwards to produce a concise written report that is easy to read and informative.

Most reports start with a summary, providing a good overview of the inspector’s findings, but encourage your client to read the whole report. Not every defect has to be addressed immediately. Home Buyers can refer to the report when they move in and organize which items they should take care of first.

As always, the homebuyer should be encouraged to contact the inspector with any questions about the report. Good home inspectors make themselves available to provide answers for your clients long after they move into their homes.

A home inspection offers opportunities for home buyers to learn about their prospective home and to build trust. With this, your client gains the confidence to make an informed decision before buying their new home.